Digital Spy: Merlin Cast on the show’s end

Colin Morgan (Merlin): “From the beginning, this was always going to be a five-year journey that we embarked on, and I think the show has run its natural course.

“The show has grown and grown each year and now we’ve arrived at its strongest point and we’ve achieved what we set out to do… I know this is the end, and I know this is goodbye, but thank you for being there on the journey with us because it has been a lot of fun!”

Anthony Head (Uther Pendragon): “Hats off to Julian and Johnny, the producers, for sticking to their guns with the five-season story arc of Merlin. It would have been too easy to give in to demand and stretch the show on beyond their original plan because of its incredible success. Instead, Merlin finishes at the height of its success and will, therefore, live on in people’s memory. That’s certainly what happened with Buffy – and it really doesn’t happen that often.

“As for myself, I really miss working with such a talented and warm-hearted bunch of people – cast, crew, production. Everyone in London, Wales and France made the Merlin experience a very, very special one. Thank you all.”

Bradley James (King Arthur): “The Merlin years have provided me with fond memories, great experiences and beloved friends, and all the while we were supported by a devoted fan base who made the show a unique, surreal and special experience.

“My words won’t do justice to the honour of being King Arthur, so I shall just say that it has been an exceptional one, and that knowing the show has been a part of so many people’s lives has been humbling.”

Katie McGrath (Morgana): “I have always said the success of the show has stemmed from our audience being able to relate to the characters on different levels – being based on the universally-loved Arthurian legend is only a tiny part of its success – it’s a story about acceptance and growing up.

“The breathtaking finale of this series leaves you with no doubt that characters have been on their journeys and had their stories told – it’s completely the right time to draw our telling of the story to a close.”

Angel Coulby (Guinevere): “It has been a very special and memorable five years making Merlin. I feel extremely proud to have been part of such a brilliant show and such a great team.

“I think we’ve told the story we set out to tell, which ends with the fantastic two-part finale, by the way! I believe the key to any successful show is making sure you leave people wanting more!”

Richard Wilson (Gaius): “Firstly I would like to say that I’m extremely sad that Merlin has come to an end.

“Speaking as Gaius, I feel I have mentored the young wizard as far as I can – he is much smarter and greater than me now and I am simply exhausted!”